Marina Cotarelo

Conn. to California 2016

I am a 23 year old hailing from New York. I grew up about 45 miles north of Manhattan in a small town, containing nearly as many horses as people, called North Salem. After high school I landed in Happy Valley, which I now call home. A few months ago, I received my bachelors degree in Kinesiology and in just a couple of weeks, I will be finishing up my first year of grad school (crazy how time flies)! Although a New Yorker at heart, I am a Penn Stater through and through.

Central Pennsylvania surprisingly has a lot to offer, especially if you're like me and love the outdoors! If you can't find me shooting hoops, hiking the local trails, or near/in a body of water, I am most likely hammocking under a tree.

I found out about Bike & Build through my roommate who heard about it from a friend. After doing quite a bit of research, I contacted one of the directors and he was so unbelievably helpful answering my questions and connecting me with alumni (thanks Justin)! From there I contacted alumni in the State College area and have since only been able to meet with one, which was more than enough to get me pumped up!

My lack of experience with affordable housing is actually the key motivator in why I am so interested in becoming an advocate for this cause. Even though I have much to learn about affordable housing, I am active with a number of other non-for-profit organizations, such as the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania as well as the world's largest student-run philanthropy, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance MaraTHON (also known as THON).

My involvements and experiences have granted me insight in being a part of something larger than myself. Over the past few years, I've had a number of surgeries and refuse to let any of them stop me from reaching my goals. I am a firm believer of being positive, patient, and persistent and it is exactly these three virtues that will help me reach my goal of biking across the country to build houses for those in need. Privileged to be a part of the Bike & Build community, I cannot wait to improve the quality of lives of others by pedaling for affordable housing!!